Inter may face competition this January for Corinthians midfielder Paulinho from Premier League outfit Chelsea.

According to reports in a number of British newspapers, the Stamford Bridge outfit’s interim Coach Rafa Benitez has requested action in the January transfer window to strengthen the team’s midfield department.

Paulinho, who could face the Blues this winter in the FIFA Club World Cup, is reportedly identified as one of their prime targets.

Inter have been tracking the 24-year-old since the summer and have been expected to make a move in January as an intended replacement for Wesley Sneijder, whose future is increasingly likely to be away from San Siro.